Fisheries and Oceans Canada Releases Management Measures for Newfoundland and Labrador’s Recreational Groundfish Fishery

June 19, 2023

St. John’s, NL -The Government of Canada recognizes the cultural, economic and historical significance of Northern cod to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. We are committed to responsibly managing these and other stocks to ensure sustainable fisheries now and for future generations.

Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Joyce Murray announced that the  Newfoundland and Labrador recreational groundfish fishery will open again this season for 39 days.

Like last year, the 2023 fishery will take place throughout the summer and fall to give recreational harvesters opportunities to safely participate in the fishery.

• The recreational fishery will take place every Saturday, Sunday and Monday from July 1 up to and including September 4 and again from September 23 to October 1.
• As in previous years, individuals are allowed a daily bag limit of five groundfish per day.
• A maximum boat limit of 15 fish applies when three or more people are fishing.   

Communities across Canada depend on our oceans, and through responsible fisheries management, we can balance the health of stocks with the important significance of recreational fisheries.